Del. David Fraser-Hidalgo

Maddy summaryHB 1441 requires electronic smoking device manufacturers in Maryland to submit annual certifications to the Attorney General and maintain funds in a special escrow account under certain circumstances. It mandates the Attorney General to create and publish a public directory of manufacturers and treats violations as unfair trade practices enforceable under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act. The bill directly affects manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, and retailers of vaping products by adding certification, directory, and financial accountability requirements to existing licensing rules. These changes aim to strengthen oversight of the vaping industry while aligning enforcement with consumer protection standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1176 extends the expiration date of Maryland's policy allowing plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of passenger count, moving the termination from 2025 to 2030. The bill requires PEV owners to obtain a $20 permit from the State Highway Administration to access HOV lanes, with limits on permit issuance to maintain lane efficiency. It also mandates annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly on how PEV use affects HOV lane operations. This policy directly affects PEV owners seeking HOV lane access and maintains existing access rules without altering vehicle eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 35 establishes an Income Tax Benefit Transfer Program allowing eligible Maryland technology companies with unused tax benefits (such as net operating loss deductions or tax credits) to transfer those benefits to other businesses. To qualify, a tech company must have a minimum number of full-time employees with health benefits, be tax-compliant, and operate in a sector approved by the Maryland Economic Development Commission. The Department of Commerce, with the Comptroller, will administer the program, requiring annual recommendations for eligible technology sectors. Transferred benefits help eligible tech companies fund operations within Maryland, directly affecting qualifying tech firms and recipient businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 800 modifies Maryland's income tax code to provide a tax deduction for military retirement income. It sets a $12,500 annual deduction for military retirees under age 55, while those aged 55 or older receive a $20,000 deduction. This change directly affects Maryland residents who receive military retirement income and are under 55. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 129 adds a new "principal member" position to Maryland's State Board of Education, elected by active school principals across the state. This member, who must be a certified principal actively leading a school, will serve a 4-year term starting July 1, 2026, with elections conducted under department regulations. The bill modifies the board's membership structure to include this role alongside existing teacher, parent, and student members, while clarifying that the principal member cannot vote on appeals under specific education codes. This change directly affects school principals eligible to run for the position and alters how the board represents K-12 school leadership.

Maddy summaryHB 57 requires Maryland county school boards to create and enforce policies restricting student cell phone use during class time (excluding lunch). The policy must prohibit phones during class, mandate secure storage (lockers, closed backpacks, or school-provided containers), and include disciplinary measures for violations. Exceptions allow phone use for IEP-related needs, documented health issues, or teacher-directed educational purposes. The law applies to all public school students in affected counties and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 216 replaces Maryland's existing electric vehicle (EV) excise tax credit with a new rebate program. It requires dealers to apply a $3,000 rebate directly to the purchase price of eligible new EVs or fuel cell vehicles (under $50,000, meeting specific battery and speed requirements) purchased between July 2026 and July 2028. The rebate is limited to one vehicle per individual and 10 per business, administered through a state website where dealers report sales and claim reimbursement. This program affects EV buyers and dealers, shifting incentives from tax credits to immediate point-of-sale discounts while maintaining the vehicle's taxable base.

Maddy summaryHB 575 reformulates Maryland's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board by expanding it from five to seven members and mandating that the new composition reflect the state's racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender diversity. The bill specifically requires at least one board member to be a survivor of violence from a community facing high rates of violence and incarceration, while another must represent an organization assisting victims with compensation applications. It also updates the definition of "victim" to include individuals who suffer physical or psychological injury while trying to prevent a crime, apprehend an offender, or assist law enforcement or emergency services. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which crimes are eligible for compensation and outlines the qualifications for third-party professionals who can assist in claims. Finally, the act grants the Governor the authority to include funding for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund in the annual state budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Qualified Resident Enrollment Program to help individuals in Maryland who currently lack health insurance access enroll in qualified plans. It defines "qualified residents" as people living in the state who are not incarcerated, regardless of their immigration status, and who do not qualify for existing federal or state assistance programs like Medicaid or Medicare. The program allows the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to manage enrollment, potentially with help from a third-party contractor, and requires a specific federal waiver approval before it can begin. Additionally, the legislation creates a dedicated fund to finance the program's operations and administration, ensuring it has the necessary resources to function.

Maddy summaryThe Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act expands Maryland's apprenticeship program to include a broader range of public safety agencies, such as correctional facilities, in addition to traditional law enforcement departments. This bill increases the maximum grant amount for agencies participating in the program from $2,000 to $5,000 per apprentice and adjusts eligibility requirements to ensure apprentices live in areas with at least 10% poverty. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission develop mental health wellness policies for law enforcement and correctional facilities while establishing a workgroup to study ways to increase employment in these sectors.